Cheaper hybrid options join Honda CR-V 2026 range but prices are up for this Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson rival

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Honda’s best-selling CR-V medium SUV has been updated for 2026, introducing new hybrid options at the top and tail of the model range, more safety features, and higher prices – now starting from $44,900 drive-away.

Previously reserved for the top-spec RS, Honda’s ‘e:HEV’ hybrid system is now available across four of CR-V’s six grades, effectively reducing the entry price for hybrid by $7000.

Petrol power still remains the cheapest entry point for CR-V, starting from $44,900 drive-away in VTi-X guise. Entry into the cheapest hybrid, the e:HEV X, starts from $49,900 – a step up of $5000. 

Only two petrol-only CR-V variants remain, the other being the seven-seat VTi-L7 priced from $54,900 drive-away. Due to packaging of a high voltage battery and electric motors, no hybrid variant of CR-V offers a seven-seat configuration.

More hybrid options will help CR-V take on the $42,850 before on-road costs Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, $46,490 Subaru Forester Hybrid, and $45,990 Toyota RAV4, which now solely offers hybrid power and leads the medium SUV segment. 

Establishing a more cost-effective answer to Mazda’s upcoming CX-5 hybrid and Nissan’s foreshadowed circa-$40,000 front-drive X-Trail ePower is also an important step for Honda. 

How much does the 2026 Honda CR-V cost?

Honda’s updates to CR-V are spearheaded by a cheaper, more accessible CR-V hybrid known as e:HEV X, which starts from $49,900 – $7000 cheaper than the MY25 e:HEV RS.

Equipment on the hybrid X is similar to that of the MY26 VTI-X, itself now starting from $44,900 (up $3000). Both entry models are front-wheel drive.

Honda has also introduced two middle-grade e:HEV variants – the $53,900 e:HEV L front-wheel drive and $58,900 e:HEV LX all-wheel drive. Both cars offer similar equipment to the VTi L7, aside from lacking a seven-seat configuration.

The e:HEV LX additionally gains piano-black exterior accents, LED ambient lighting, DAB radio functionality, and LED daytime running lights over the e:HEV L.

At the top of the CR-V range sits the familiar e:HEV RS, now with all-wheel drive. Pricing for the RS increases by $4500 – now $64,400 – with exclusive features including LED cornering lights, heads-up display, a customisable drive mode, vented steering wheel, sunroof, and heated outboard rear seats. 

Other range-dependent features added to CR-V for MY26 include a 360-degree camera, auto door unlock functionality, heated rear seats and ventilated front seats.

How fuel-efficient is the Honda CR-V Hybrid?

All hybrid CR-Vs use a 135kW/335Nm 2.0-litre VTEC four cylinder engine paired with an eCVT, sealed hybrid, and front- or all-wheel drive. While petrol models use a 140kW/240Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged VTEC four-cylinder engine, CVT, and front/all-wheel drive.

Combined fuel consumption is quoted as 7.1L/100km for petrol CR-Vs and 5.5L/100km for e:HEV models. All-wheel drive increases consumption by 0.2L/100km across both powertrains. 

Honda offers a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty for all of its vehicles, as well as five years of roadside assistance and an offer of its first five services for $199 each. The service interval for all variants of CR-V is 12 months or 10,000km, whichever comes first.

Honda CR-V 2026: prices in Australia

All prices listed are drive-away.

• VTi-X: $44,900
• e:HEV X: $49,900
• e:HEV L: $53,900
• VTi L7: $54,900
• e:HEV LX: $58,900
• e:HEV RS: $64,400